Welcome to our 1864 farmhouse…life is good!


Thursday, February 5


The ancient pines creak in the cold, howling winds our friends from the north have sent to the Midwest. Looking out the beautifully frosted windows to the 50 acre field across the road, I can see the wind has created swirls of snow drifts that are easily up to my knees in places. And clustered toward the center of the field, are dozens of Canada geese. Being the strong fliers that they are, it's unusual for us to see them settling in, but today's wind and  weather has them crowding together to keep warm.

Inside, as anyone who lives in an old house will tell you, some rooms are as cold as an igloo! Well, not really, but at times it seems that way. Still standing strong after 150 years, we often wonder how the original owners kept warm on these blustery days. Surely the 3 fireplaces were burning brightly to keep toes toasty warm, and the woodbox in the kitchen must have been kept full. Each room downstairs has a door...perhaps many of them were closed to keep heat only in the rooms that were in use.  

Whatever they did, we are grateful they, and those who came after, kept this old house as they did. History is one of my favorite things...old houses, old barns, old ways. And even as the temperature plummets, extra wood stacked close at hand, hearty stew bubbling away on the stove, and the laughter of children keeps me warm.  I'm glad to be at home, waiting to see what the weather brings.  

6 comments:

  1. I adore old houses,.,drafts and all. Stay warm and enjoy.

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    1. We did a little jump for joy when the propane company pulled up last week - always a good and secure feeling when it's -11!

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  2. We live in an old house here in Pa, it's a job keeping it warm. And we close doors to rooms we do not use. Have a great weekend.

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  3. I have to agree...each one is unique. Although with this old house, we always giggle when a dropped pencil rolls, and rolls, and rolls across the floor. Uneven floors, door frames, and having to plug the dryer vent with batting and keep warm air blowing under the dishwasher when the temperatures drop are all a part of the "fun!"

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  4. That is a beautiful picture! And you have painted some lovely scenes with your words as well. -Tammy

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    1. Thank you Tammy - kind words indeed from someone whose photography I admire. This is right out the front door...when temperatures are in the single digits outside, I don't venture too far!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!

 
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